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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called on journalists to uphold accuracy and responsibility in reporting legislative matters, emphasizing the importance of providing context when covering bills and House proceedings.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for the House of Representatives Press Corps in Kaduna, Abbas highlighted concerns about misreporting, particularly when bills are presented as finalized laws. He warned that such errors could erode public trust and create misunderstandings about the legislative process.
“A bill is merely a proposal until it undergoes the full legislative process, including public hearings. Mischaracterising bills misleads the public and undermines our work,” the Speaker stated.
Abbas lauded the media’s role as the fourth estate of the realm and emphasized the need for collaboration between the press and the House to promote transparency, accountability, and national development.
In reflecting on the legislative achievements of the current assembly, the Speaker noted that 89 bills had been passed within 17 months, addressing key areas such as education, healthcare, security, and economic development. Some landmark legislation included the Electric Power Sector Reform (Amendment) Bill, the Federal Audit Service Bill, and the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act.
He also outlined the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda, which focuses on eight priority areas, including National Security, Law Reform, Economic Growth, and Environmental Sustainability, urging journalists to familiarize themselves with these initiatives for meaningful engagement.
Chairman of the Press Corps, Gbenga Onadiran, commended the Speaker and the UNDP for organizing the training, stating it would enhance the capacity of journalists for better coverage of House activities.
